Morning Update 1-14-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 14, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather
News
Judge Blocks Trump Birth Control Coverage Rules in 13 States
OAKLAND, Calif. — A U.S. judge in California on Sunday blocked Trump administration rules, which would allow more employers to opt out of providing women with no-cost birth control, from taking effect in 13 states and Washington, D.C. Judge Haywood Gilliam granted a request for a preliminary injunction by California, 12 other states and Washington, D.C. The plaintiffs sought to…
Police Respond to Reported Active Shooter at New Jersey UPS facility
No Further Details at This Time
LOGAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Police have surrounded a United Parcel Service facility in New Jersey in response to a reported active shooter. Television images show police cars surrounding the loading dock area of the building in Logan Township, about 20 miles south of Philadelphia. Armed officers can be seen crouching behind one of the vehicles. A person answering the…
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Search Training
Native Lives Matter Holds Event at Building for Women
DULUTH, Minn.- A local group is working to bring awareness to missing and murdered indigenous women. The Native Lives Matter Coalition and PAVSA hosted search training and a community patrol today. The organization Shahnish Scouts provided training, and united multiple local organizations in the goal of bringing every missing woman home. “Opening their minds for a little bit more awareness,…
Stolen Bentleyville Equipment Recovered By Duluth Police
Police Have Surveillance Video of the Suspects
DULUTH, Minn- It’s long after Christmas, but Bentleyville says a set of leftover Grinchs might pay for trying to steal from the display. Equipment was reported stolen from Bayfront Park last Thursday, by Sunday many of those items had been recovered. Bentleyville posted images on their facebook page of the recovered equipment, they say with the help of Duluth Police…
Ignite Studio Helps Unpaid Government Workers
Fitness Studio Offers All Classes Free To Workers and Family
DULUTH, Minn.- It’s day 23 of the partial government shutdown, about 800,000 employees are either working without pay, or furloughed. Businesses are stepping forward to help those workers with the financial difficulties. Ignite Studio in Duluth is trying to help ease the worries of those affected by the shutdown by offering free classes so they can exercise–improving moods, boosting energy,…
Duluth K-9, Suspect Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting
Officer Was Also Shot, Suffered Non-Life Threatening Injuries
DULUTH, Minn. – A felony level domestic assault call on West Skyline Parkway ended Sunday evening with an officer shot and his K-9 partner dead, including the suspect, according to a press release from the Duluth Police Department. The incident began around 6:30 p.m. Sunday in a home on the 1000 block of West Skyline Parkway, according to police. Duluth…
Iron Mug Works With Duluth Dodge To Help Federal Workers
Raise Funds for Those Affected by Shutdown
DULUTH, Minn.-Iron Mug owner Mike Letica is teaming up with Duluth Dodge, to give back to federal workers not being paid during the shutdown. 10% of Iron Mug sales are going to donations, and at Duluth Dodge they’ll donate $50 for every car or truck sold. Letica said he was inspired after hearing the story of one particular TSA worker….
Anglers Take to the Ice for 3rd Annual Ice Fishing Contest
Anglers Compliment Weather, Fish Still Hiding
DULUTH, Minn.- Only in the Northland can you expect a frozen lake to be covered with ice houses and four-wheelers. On Saturday Anglers attacked the ice, trying to get themselves the next biggest cash to win the 3rd Annual Alpine Bar Winter Walleye Fishing Contest. The white blanket of snow on the frozen St. Louis River is peppered with different…
Thieves Strike Bentleyville Yet Again
Items Stolen and Damage as Display Comes Down
DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the holiday season is over, that hasn’t stopped some more Grinches from stealing from Bentleyville Tour of Lights as the display is being taken down. Thursday night crooks sawed off a cable that was the major power supply of the light show, stole 150 gallons of diesel, a motor, and spotlights that lit up the “#Bentleyville2018”…
Duluth Wedding Show Fills the DECC
Including the annual fashion show parading down the catwalk
DULUTH, Minn. – Models strutted their stuff on the catwalk at the annual Duluth Wedding Show at the DECC. Couples could plan their whole wedding in one day with dozens of businesses, venues, and planners at the show. One bride tells us it helped her a lot to sample everything in one place. “It’s totally helping me plan,” said Sarah…
Park Point Assault Victim Dies
Larry Watczak's death has become the first 2019 homicide in Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – Larry Watczak, the 70-year-old man assaulted in his Park Point home during January 2nd burglary, has died. Watczak died in Essentia Health early Saturday morning. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken says his death will count as the first Duluth homicide of 2019 because it was caused by another person while committing a burglary. A suspect, Darrell Darryl…
Jayme Closs Reunited with Family, Suspect in Custody
Investigators Don't Believe There was any Social Media Connection
BARRON, Wis. – Authorities in Wisconsin say they believe the man suspected of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs was out looking for her when he was arrested. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said Friday that 21-year-old Jake Patterson wasn’t at home when Jayme escaped Thursday afternoon. Deputies arrested Patterson in his vehicle soon after Jayme turned up on a neighbor’s doorstep…
Gordon Neighbors Help Jayme Closs Escape
GORDON, Wis. – Jayme Closs’ disappearance and her parents’ murder have become international headlines. Many in her community have been feeling pain for the missing teen and her family. Jayme Closs escaped from captivity herself but was helped by good neighbors in Gordon, Wisconsin. “It has been 88 days of hope for her safe return, 88 days of prayers for…
Duluth Police Could Receive a Pay Raise Following Approval From City Council
A 3% increase expected for officers.
DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police officers could receive a pay raise if the city council approves a proposed contract on Monday. The agreement calls for a three percent increase in annual wage for 2018, 2019, and 2020. Starting salaries for rookies will also increase by $3,500. Department leaders say they have been unable to fill vacancies with suitable recruits for…
Pike Lake Elementary Students Learn about Music from the Zenith Contemporary Ensemble
Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Class Notes program comes to Duluth.
DULUTH, Minn.- The Zenith Contemporary Ensemble gave a visit to a few third grade students at Pike Lake Elementary in Duluth today. As part of the Minnesota Public Radio’s class notes program students were participating in an impromptu music class. The class introduced students to the piano, flute, and other musical concepts. The goal of the class is to…
Fire Deaths in Minnesota Drop 47% from 2017 to 2018
36 fire deaths were recorded for 2018.
DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reporting in 2018 fire deaths have gone down 47% percent following a shocking spike in 2017. Records also show the Minnesota’s most fire deaths were in 1995. Officials say there are many factors that may have helped the numbers go down. “Obviously things do fluctuate depending on what happens from…
LIVE: Jayme Closs Case Update
(Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP) Click HERE to Watch Live! Categories: News, News – Latest News
House Approves Back pay for Federal Workers
The Bill was Approved Unanimously
WASHINGTON -The House has voted to ensure that all federal employees will be paid retroactively after the partial government shutdown ends. The bill passed Friday requires that all employees, including those who have been furloughed, be paid as soon as possible once the government reopens. The Senate approved the bill unanimously Thursday. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump,…
Kick Sled Rentals At Hartley Nature Center
Active Adventures: Local Winter Rentals From Snowshoes, Skiis & Kick Sleds
DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Brittney Merlot takes us to Hartley Nature Center where you can rent a bunch of different winter equipment. This varies from traditional and metal snowshoes, cross country skiis and kick sleds! Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News Tags: Hartley Nature Center, merlot weather,…
A Timeline of Events in the Jayme Closs Disappearance Case
MILWAUKEE – Notable events in the disappearance and discovery of Jayme Closs, a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl who went missing after her parents were killed in the family home. Investigators say she was found alive on Thursday and that a suspect is in custody. October 15, 2018 – James Closs, 56, and Denise Closs, 46, are found shot to death in…
Improve Balance & Reduce Falls With Tai Ji Quan Class
New Balance & Coordination Class Starts Next Week In Duluth, All Experience Levels Welcome
DULUTH, Minn. – With the icy conditions in place this time of year, the thought of falling can be serious. Especially the older you get and the less balance coordination you may have. One class starting next week helps improve your balance through martial arts movements. It’s called Tai Ji Quan. “It helps improve balance, coordination, strengthens lower extremities and…
Backpack Found in Manitowoc County Ditch had Explosives Inside
Investigators Work to get DNA Evidence From Backpack
TOWN OF GIBSON, Wis. – Manitowoc County authorities are trying to determine who put a bomb in a backpack found in a ditch along a state highway. A person found the backpack off State Highway 147 on Wednesday and alerted authorities. Deputies determined it to be an explosive device with a fuse that appeared to have been lit but didn’t…
Donations Encouraged for 2019 Night To Shine Prom
The 2019 Night To Shine Prom will be held Friday, February 8, 2019
DULUTH, Minn. – Augustana Lutheran Church set to host Night To Shine, a prom for people with special needs on Friday February 8, 2019 at Proctor High School. Organizers are getting ready to give away prom dresses with the help of “If The Dress Fits” another local non profit on January 12 & 19. A fundraiser is currently going on…
Google Considers Building $600M Data Center in Minnesota
Xcel Would Sell Google Land and Provide Electricity Service
MINNEAPOLIS – Google is looking into building a $600 million data center in central Minnesota that would be powered by two wind farms. Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy disclosed the data center project Thursday in a regulatory filing. The Google facility proposed in Becker would mark one of the largest private construction projects in recent state history and create about 50 full-time…
Man Ruled Incompetent for Trial in Boy’s Water Slide Push
The Case is now on Hold
HASTINGS, Minn. – A Minnesota judge has found a 19-year-old man incompetent to stand trial on charges he pushed an 8-year-old boy off a slide at a suburban Minneapolis water park last summer. Judge Timothy McManus decided Tuesday the case against Roman Adams of Maple Grove cannot proceed because of “mental illness.” Adams faces two assault charges for allegedly pushing…
Midday Update 1-11-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 11, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, crime, Local News, midday update, News
Wisconsin man, 21, Arrested in Teen’s Abduction
Authorities say Closs was 'The Only Target'
BARRON, Wis. – Authorities say they have jailed a 21-year-old man on kidnapping and homicide charges in the October killing of a Wisconsin couple and abduction of their teen daughter, who was found alive. Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec said at a news conference Friday that Jake Thomas Patterson was arrested Thursday after Jayme Closs was found near Gordon, where…
LIVE: Jayme Closs Found – Authorities Hold Press Conference at the Sheriff’s Department in Barron
(Courtesy: Fox 9) Categories: News, News – Latest News
Missing Wisconsin Girl Named her Captor
Jayme Talked About Being Locked up
(Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP, File)BARRON, Wis. – A woman who helped a Wisconsin girl who’d been missing for three months following her parents’ deaths says the girl told her she’d been held against her will. Kristin Kasinskas says she took 13-year-old Jayme Closs into her home after the girl and a woman she’d approached for help came to her…
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Visit Duluth
The newly sworn-in state executives spoke at the University of Minnesota Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL) were at the University of Minnesota Duluth Thursday sharing their vision for moving Minnesota forward. Days after their inauguration, the Minnesota state executives spoke to students, supporters, and community members in Duluth. “We have a charge and we have an opportunity to find common ground and…
Sheriff: Jayme Closs Found Alive In The Town Of Gordon
The following has been posted to the Barron County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page: Jayme Closs has been located: On Thursday evening the Barron County Sheriff’s Department was notified by the Douglas CO WI Sheriff’s Department that they had located Jayme Closs alive. The Douglas County Sheriff says Closs was found at 4:43 p.m. Thursday in the Town of Gordon. A…
Superior Reminds Property Owners of City Code to Remove Snow and Ice from Sidewalks
It's the law to make sidewalks safe for pedestrians.
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior wants to make the city safe for everyone this winter. They are reminding property owners to be responsible and clear sidewalks following a snowfall. Shoveling your sidewalks is the neighborly thing to do for the safety of pedestrians, but in the city of Superior it is also the law. According to the city…
Calling All Adorable, Funny, Quarky Talented Pets To The Big Screen!
Furry Film Festival Needs Your Funny Pet Videos!
DULUTH, Minn. — Is your pet the star of the house? If you have a fur baby with a special talent, funny quarks or just plain cute you need to submit a video of them! Fitger’s Film Festival will be showcasing a compilation of pet videos for your entertainment, hosted by Animal Allies. “I can’t imagine that it’s going to…
Lake Superior Brewing Expands Industry Night Specials To All
Working Class Gets Cheap Beer Specials On Craft Brews
DULUTH, Minn. — The bar and restaurant industry night is expanding it’s special prices to all working class people! That’s right, if you have a job, any job, you qualify for this special at Lake Superior Brewing. Every Thursday and Sunday all pint beers are $3 from open to close. They are providing us with this special on brews in…
Minnesota may Require Drivers to use Hands-Free Cellphones
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota may soon require drivers to use hands-free cellphones, and some lawmakers want to impose bigger fines for drivers who text, and treat distracted drivers more like drunken drivers when they cause serious accidents. Leaders of the Senate and House transportation committees have authored hands-free bills, and plan hearings this month and hope for floor…
Kimberly Clark Notifies State it Will Close Plant by May 31
About 100 People Work at the Plant
MADISON, Wis. – Kimberly-Clark Corp. has notified Gov. Tony Evers’ administration that it will close its plant in Neenah by May 31. The Department of Workforce Development announced Thursday that the paper products giant had provided the workforce reduction notice. The plant’s closure was first announced a year ago. Kimberly-Clark also initially said it planned to close a larger facility…
Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 277 on Oasis of the Seas
The Ship Will Return to Port Canaveral on Saturday
(Josh Ritchie/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File)MIAMI — Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is returning to a Florida port a day early and giving passengers full refunds of their fare after 277 guests and crew members were hit with an outbreak of Norovirus as it sailed to Jamaica. Cruise line spokesman Owen Torres told The Associated Press “we think…
Homemade Comfort Food To Warm The Soul In The Cold
Cooking Connection: Lake Superior Catering Makes Homemade Chicken Alfredo
DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Lake Superior Catering prepares a delicious homemade chicken alfredo. In the video above you will learn the industry secrets and how you can make your own alfredo sauce at home. To book your catered event click here! PHONE: 218-428-1946 Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags:…
Michael Cohen to Testify Publicly Before Congress Next Month
Cohen Pleaded Guilty in Both Investigations
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, will testify publicly before Congress next month. Cohen’s testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee will be the first major public hearing for Democrats, who have promised greater scrutiny of Trump. Cohen is a pivotal figure in investigations by special counsel Robert Mueller into potential coordination between Russia and…
Video Shows Milwaukee bus Driver Rescuing Young Child
MILWAUKEE – Authorities say an alert Milwaukee bus driver rescued a young child found wandering barefoot on a freeway overpass in frigid temperatures. The Milwaukee County Transit System says the boy was less than a year old and wearing only a diaper and a onesie when bus driver Irena Ivic spotted him on Dec. 22. Security video shows the boy…
Minnesota Fire Deaths Drop in 2018
Careless Smoking was Leading Cause of Fires
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The State Fire Marshal says fire deaths in Minnesota dropped 47 percent in 2018. A total of 36 people died last year in fires in Minnesota, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Department of Public Safety’s State Fire Marshal Division . That’s down from 68 fire deaths in 2017. The decline comes after a…
Three Suspects Charged in Hibbing Homicide Case
Three suspects, including one juvenile, have been charged in connection with a homicide in Hibbing Sunday.
HIBBING, Minn.-Three suspects, including one juvenile, have been charged in connection with a homicide in Hibbing Sunday. Deshon Bonnell, 18, along with 20-year-old Anthony Howson, and a 17-year-old female, are all getting charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery, for the murder of Joshua LaValley of Aurora. The 33-year-old LaValley’s body was found Sunday by a snowmobiler on the…
Midday Update 1-10-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 10, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather
15-Year-old Driver Flips Minivan, Killing Teen
All Three Teens are From Sheboygan
TOWN OF CENTERVILLE, Wis. – Sheriff’s officials say a teen died when a minivan being driven by a 15-year-old girl crashed in Manitowoc County. Authorities say the young driver, who did not have an instruction permit, and another passenger were injured in the crash about 1 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Centerville. A 17-year-old boy who was in the…
No Charges in Virginia Fatal Officer Involved Shooting
Courtesy: Mark Sauer/Mesabi Daily NewsVIRGINIA, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin released his findings Thursday morning concluding Virginia Police Officer Nicholas Grivna justifiably acted in self-defense in the November 27 deadly shooting incident. According to the report, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on November 27 a man, later identified as J. Scot Alan Widmark, forced a woman out of…
Rock the Night Away Friday with 2019 Homegrown Winter Fiasco
The Winter Fiasco is Happening Friday, January 11, 2019 in the Lincoln Park Craft District
DULUTH, Minn. – Prepare to rock the night away Friday, January 11 in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The 2019 Homegrown Winter Fiasco will provide listeners with a large lineup of musical performance and entertainment. A free shuttle will be going between venues from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. A list of venues and acts is listed below: Lake Superior…
Morning Update 1-10-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 10, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather
Corrections Staff Logs $50 million in Overtime in 2018
The State saw an Unemployment Rate at Three Percent
MADISON, Wis. – Department of Corrections staff in Wisconsin racked up $50 million in overtime in 2018. An internal review shows the overtime at the state’s adult correctional institutions increased by $7 million from 2016. Overtime expenses for 2017 were not available. The overtime is largely caused by staffing vacancies. The State Journal reports about 680 correctional officer and sergeant…
Friends Remember Hibbing Homicide Victim
"There's not a nicer person in the world I just don't really understand it."
HIBBING, Minn. – Joshua LaValley was loved by so many and his murder has left people close to him heartbroken. A life cut short for man described by his friends as having a lot character and multiple talents. Joshua loved to draw and play guitar. His funny demeanor brought joy to those who cared for him. Filled with emotion, a…
